Public urged to check on elderly neighbours after 25 deaths linked to fires last year

A smoke alarm is 'the most important piece of fire safety equipment for the home', National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management national director Keith Leonard said. Picture: iStock

Fires led to some 25 deaths last year, with chimneys in homes the main cause of domestic fires, according to data from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage.

Of the deaths, 21 involved people aged 55 and over.